Date: 29/11/2020
Venue: Bahrain International Circuit
The Formula One circus heads to the Middle East for the last three races of the season, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
Lewis Hamilton has already clinched a record-equalling seventh world title following his victory in Turkey two weeks ago and is the 11/25 favourite again.
Those odds are too short to be of much interest for our Bahrain Grand Prix predictions, even though we expect the Briton to be standing on top of the podium once more.
Hamilton could be forgiven for easing off for the last three races after saying: “This year has been the hardest year for millions of people.
“I know things always look great on the big stage but it is no different for us athletes. It has been a challenge.
“I didn’t know how to get through it but with the help of a great team around me I have managed to keep my head above water and stay focused.”
Hamilton has failed to claim pole position in Bahrain since 2016, with team-mate Valtteri Bottas doing so in 2017.
Ferrari have dominated the front row on the last two visits here but no longer have the power advantage they previously enjoyed so 2/1 for Bottas to be on pole is the first of our Bahrain Grand Prix betting tips.
It is worth noting though that being on pole position is not the advantage that it might be at other circuits.
The driver on pole has only gone on to win six of the 15 races here which suggests backing the driver on pole to not win the race is good value at 51/50 in the Bahrain Grand Prix odds.
How the Turkish Grand Prix finished
1 Hamilton (Mercedes), 2 Perez (Racing Point), 3 Vettel (Ferrari), 4 Leclerc (Ferrari), 5 Sainz (McLaren), 6 Verstappen (Red Bull), 7 Albon (Red Bull), 8 Norris (McLaren), 9 Stroll (Racing Point), 10 Ricciardo (Renault), 11 Ocon (Renault), 12 Kvyat (AlphaTauri), 13 Gasly (AlphaTauri), 14 Bottas (Mercedes), 15 Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo), 16 Russell (Williams), 17 Magnussen (Haas), DNF Grosjean (Haas), Latifi (Williams), 20 Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo).
We’re looking for a bigger price as the last of our Bahrain Grand Prix predictions and Sergio Perez appeals at 19/4 to again make the podium after finishing runner-up to Hamilton in Turkey.
The Mexican has scored points in every race he has started this season and was on the podium here in 2014 when driving for Force India.
He has also finished fourth in two of the last five races so the Racing Point driver is often well placed to take advantage if one of the leading contenders falters.
Past Bahrain Grand Prix results
2019 Hamilton (Mercedes), Bottas (Mercedes), Leclerc (Ferrari)
2018 Vettel (Ferrari), Bottas (Mercedes), Hamilton (Mercedes)
2017 Vettel (Ferrari), Hamilton (Mercedes), Bottas (Mercedes)
2016 Rosberg (Mercedes), Raikkonen (Ferrari), Hamilton (Mercedes)
2015 Hamilton (Mercedes), Raikkonen (Ferrari), Rosberg (Mercedes)
2014 Hamilton (Mercedes), Rosberg (Mercedes), Perez (Force India)
2013 Vettel (Red Bull), Raikkonen (Lotus), Grosjean (Lotus)
2012 Vettel (Red Bull), Raikkonen (Lotus), Grosjean (Lotus)
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